Photonics & Quantum Accelerator

Photonics & Quantum Accelerator

The Photonics & Quantum Accelerator (PQA) is a £4.7 million programme helping researchers turn advances in photonics and quantum technologies into economic and societal impact.

Funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the PQA brings together the Universities of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, St Andrews and Strathclyde, alongside civic and industry partners, to support the sustainable growth of the photonics sector across Scotland’s Central Belt.

Through access to funding, commercialisation support, business skills and specialist networks, the PQA helps researchers develop promising technologies, build new partnerships and accelerate routes from research towards real-world application.

Heriot-Watt is a key university partner in the programme, bringing internationally recognised expertise across photonics and quantum sciences. Our research spans areas including novel light sources, photonic sensing, nanophotonics, quantum communications, quantum-enhanced imaging and sensing, and quantum materials.

What is the Photonics & Quantum Accelerator?

The PQA is an EPSRC Place Based Impact Acceleration Account designed to unlock greater economic and societal impact from research in photonics and quantum technologies.

It provides researchers with a combination of funding, specialist support and connections to help move ideas closer to application, commercialisation and wider impact.

Support available through the PQA includes:

• Pre-application advice and guidance
• Funding to develop research towards impact
• Research and business planning support
• Business and enterprise skills development for researchers and spin-out teams
• Coaching to support further funding applications
• Access to sector knowledge and commercial expertise
• Connections with industry, civic partners and specialist investors

Funding can support a wide range of activities, including proof-of-concept work, prototyping and testing, demonstrator development, market research, access to facilities, industry engagement, placements and secondments, business mentoring and skills development.

Who is it for?

The PQA supports researchers working in photonics and quantum technologies, and their applications, who are seeking to develop the economic or societal impact of their research.

Individual funding opportunities have different eligibility requirements. Some are open to academics and Research Associates across UK universities, while others are specifically available to researchers at PQA partner institutions or existing PQA-funded projects.

Projects must sit within the technological scope of photonics or quantum technologies, build on underpinning research within the EPSRC remit and demonstrate the potential to create economic or societal impact in Scotland’s Central Belt.

Why take part?

Through the Photonics & Quantum Accelerator, researchers can:

• Develop and de-risk promising technologies through proof-of-concept, prototyping and testing
• Explore commercial applications and routes to market
• Build relationships with industry and other external partners
• Strengthen business planning and investment readiness
• Access specialist knowledge, mentoring and sector-specific investor networks
• Develop enterprise and commercialisation skills
• Create pathways towards licensing, spin-out formation or further research and innovation funding
• Translate research into tangible economic and societal impact

Heriot-Watt and the PQA

Heriot-Watt has a long-established international reputation in photonics and quantum research. Our contribution to photonics was recognised through the 2021 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education, while our researchers continue to lead and contribute to major UK programmes advancing quantum technologies.

This strength is already translating into PQA-supported innovation. Heriot-Watt researchers have secured funding for work spanning quantum communications, semiconductor and photonic device development, quantum sensing and advanced photonic manufacturing.

Our involvement in the PQA forms part of a wider commitment to connecting research excellence with enterprise, industry and investment, helping promising ideas move beyond the laboratory and create meaningful impact.

Funding and applications

The PQA operates a range of funding opportunities supporting different stages and types of impact activity. Funding levels, eligibility criteria and application deadlines vary between calls.

Researchers are encouraged to explore the latest opportunities and consider engaging with the programme team early when developing a potential application.

Find out more about the Photonics & Quantum Accelerator, current funding opportunities and how to apply on the PQA website.